What to pack for university

By Ella Speak, August 2024

Packing for university can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure of what to bring. Having done this three times myself, I’ve learned a thing or two about what’s worth packing and what can be left behind. Let’s go through a practical list of essentials and non-essentials for your arrival weekend. Keep in mind, everyone’s needs are different, and your own hobbies and lifestyle will influence your packing list!

Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, so it’s important to make it feel like home:

• Bedding: Bring a comfortable duvet, pillows, and covers. You can also opt to order a bedding pack for easy collection during welcome week.
• Extra Comforts: An extra cushion or blanket can add cosiness to your space.
• Storage Solutions: Under-the-bed storage bags are a great way to maximise your space.
• Coat Hangers: Don’t underestimate how handy these can be!
• Gaming Essentials: If you’re a gamer like me, bring your gaming console — but don’t forget an Ethernet cable for a stable internet connection.
• Personal Touches: Photos that remind you of home or reflect your special interests can make your room feel more like yours.
• Noticeboard Decor: Bring drawing pins to personalise your pinboard with photos, quotes, or to-do lists.
• Decorations: Fairy lights, small plants, or cute trinkets can make a big difference in making your room feel welcoming (avoid LED strip lights as they may not be allowed).

Bathroom Must-Haves

Depending on whether you have an en-suite or a shared bathroom, your needs may vary:

• Shower Caddy: A caddy with a handle is invaluable for shared bathrooms, allowing you to transport your toiletries with ease.
• Cosy Towel: A large, soft towel is a small luxury that makes a big difference.
• Skip the Bathmat: If you’re in a wet room-style bathroom, bathmats can get soaked and are more trouble than they’re worth.

Kitchen Basics

What you pack for the kitchen depends on how much you plan to cook. If you're a budding chef like me, you might want more items, but here's a basic list that should suit most students:

• Cookware: A frying pan and a saucepan with a lid.
• Storage Containers: Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Basic Utensils: A set that includes a spatula, wooden spoon, can opener, etc.
• Cutlery Set: Pro tip: Choose unique cutlery to avoid mix-ups with flatmates.
• Baking Tray: Perfect for everything from roasting veggies to baking cookies.
• Tea Towel: Useful for drying dishes or as a makeshift oven mitt.
• Dishwashing Supplies: Dishmatics (those sponges with a handle that dispenses soap) are super convenient.

Optional Kitchen Extras:

• Mixing Bowl and Measuring Jug: Handy if you enjoy baking or more involved cooking.
• Baking Tins: Perfect for homemade brownies or cakes.
• Small Appliances: An air fryer or slow cooker can be a game-changer, but ensure they are PAT-tested and kept in the communal kitchen.
• Weighing Scale: For the serious bakers and chefs.

A quick note on kitchen rules: Our university halls already provide basics like a kettle and toaster, so no need to bring those. Additionally, keeping any kitchen appliances in your room is not allowed.

Lastly, while you may have heard of portable washing machines, they’re against accommodation rules due to health and safety. Stick to the campus laundry rooms —they’re there for a reason.

A final reminder

Don’t stress too much about forgetting something — remember, you can always buy more items after you’ve moved in. It’s super convenient to order things online and have them delivered to your college’s porters. Plus, Lancaster City Centre is only a short bus ride away, making it easy to pick up any extra essentials you might need. Sometimes, it's better to wait and see what you'll really use instead of overpacking!

By following this guide, you'll have all the essentials to make your university experience comfortable and personal. Remember, the key is to bring what makes you feel at home while being mindful of what’s practical and allowed. Good luck, and happy packing!